You will need to take a pregnancy test after a medical abortion. This is to confirm that you are no longer pregnant.
It is less common to have a pregnancy test after a surgical abortion. But your doctor may still recommend it.
Medical abortion
You will need to take a special pregnancy test 2 weeks after a medical abortion.
Your GP or doctor will give you the special pregnancy test kit to take home after you have the abortion.
This is called a low sensitivity pregnancy test. It is different to a normal pregnancy test. It is important to read the instructions carefully so that the result is accurate.
Important
Do a special pregnancy test 2 weeks after the abortion - this is important.
Some women may test positive for longer than 2 weeks. This does not always mean that you are still pregnant. But it is important that you tell your doctor.
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your doctor
or contact My Options on 1800 828 010 if:
- the pregnancy test is positive, invalid, or you are unsure about the result
- your next period does not come 4 weeks after the abortion
- you have symptoms that suggest you could be still pregnant
If the abortion does not work, your pregnancy may continue. If the pregnancy goes over 12 weeks, you cannot have another abortion, unless it is in exceptional circumstances. This is the law.
If you are still under 12 weeks pregnant, you are able to have further treatment. The doctor will advise you on the best option for you.
The risk of ongoing pregnancy is:
- 2 to 3 in every 1,000 surgical abortions
- between 9 to 12 weeks — 2 in every 100 medical abortions
- under 9 weeks pregnant — 1 to 2 in every 100 medical abortions
What to expect after a medical abortion
Surgical abortion
You may need to take a low-sensitivity pregnancy test after a surgical abortion, but this is not routine. Your doctor will tell you in the hospital if you will need to take one. They will give you the special pregnancy test kit to take home.
Urgent advice: Talk to your doctor
or contact My Options on 1800 828 010 if:
- you have feelings or symptoms that you could be still pregnant